FAQ

How dangerous is the winter in Kalderesh?

Winters are extremely mild. Snow only occurs in the extreme altitudes of the highlands. See the article on Weather.

What stories are told to children to keep them from getting into trouble?

Most often, such tales involve mythical monsters. The typical monster of the night is the vampire, an ugly beast that drinks the blood of naughty children who are outdoors when they shouldn’t be. During the day, if a child wanders into some wild or unknown area, a dragon may swoop down out of the sky and devour them, or Jadu, a crippled old man, may carry them away to his cave.

What kind of music is popular among the common people?

Stringed instruments accompanied by melodic vocals. Often two performers will play in harmony and counterpoint. Popular performers will often, with great effort, acquire magical cantrips to enhance their music. Bards may use both aural and visual enhancements to their performances.

What is the most common household pet in the realm?

Dog.

What was the largest naval battle ever fought?

In 4205 the Malanthean Fleet crippled the Gallentene harbours and destroyed most of the Empire’s military ships.

Which is more popular? Wine or ale?

Wine is very expensive, as grapes only grow well in a small region of Kirvan (Big Valley) where it is exported from Londesh. Beer, ale and mead are common beverages.

What is more valuable: a single cow or a single gold coin?

To the hungry, a cow has infinitely more worth than a coin. And people will always grow hungry again.

Are diseases and plagues prevalent?

No. At worst, a brief outbreak of some illness may prevail, but clerics are eventually at hand to put a stop to it, should herbalism and clupine healing not be sufficient.

What is the most common name in Kalderesh?

Belle/Belinda and Andrew

Is there a sigil that represents the world as a whole?

No. However, astronomers and astrologers use a short-hand notation to signify Tem as a planet, while alchemists have a similar symbol as a short-cut of “earth” or “ground”.

Does a common language exist?

In ancient times, Jane was the common language of the Janee. Following The Burning, the language evolved into Shaar, the lingua franca. See the article on Language.

Who is the most famous assassin in the world? Who did they assassinate?

The most famous victim of an assassination was King Lambard, who was murdered in 4642. The assassin was never identified. The nation was on the brink of civil war, as for months, uncertainty caused chaos amongst the nobility. Eventually matters were resovled peacefully when HRH King Maynard was crowned.

What does a farmer worry about more: famine or vicious creatures?

Most farmers are worried about receiving better prices for their goods at market. Secondary concerns are about crop failure due to poor weather, insect plagues, and other agricultural disasters. There has never been famine in Kalderesh. Monsters don’t present a challenge to farmers who are within settled parts of a duchy. Frontier farmers, who choose for whatever reason to settle far from civilization, are more likely to suffer monstrous incursions.

Who is the most powerful mage in the world?

Ulmo, Lord of the Elements, is generally regarded as the most powerful spellcaster, according to wizard lore. However, Sir Oberon the Blue, who is both a cavalier and a grand arch mage, is regarded by others to be the most potent mage. Of the legendary mages, Lenceus the Grey, who was said to ride a shimmering blue dragon, is the most powerful. In Kalderesh, Jeharraz, the Wizard of the Realm, is the most powerful arcanist.

What is the most widely celebrated holiday?

The major secular holiday is Founder’s Day (June 02), celebrating the birth of Kalderesh. The most popular religious holiday is Leaf-and-Root (September 03), a celebration of nature and life led by the Qidranians. See the article Special days and holidays.

Did one race of people come before the others?

Yes. The Old Janee came from central Brundonica, around Lake Janee, and thrived for millenia. Then, The Burning happened, and mankind was almost wiped out. But they recovered – although it took thousands of years – and lived again on the shores of Lake Janee. From there, they spread out to Malanthea, Ursinica, Gallentea, and Nubanon. See the article The story of humans.

Are lycanthropes a prominent threat, or are they mythical?

Lycanthropy is a disease, brought about by a very specific curse. It is curable by a high-level cleric.

Do undead exist?

Not anymore. Using “Arawn’s Eternal Rest”, a corpse cannot be resurrected in any form because the soul is utterly destroyed.